Most Underutilized Predator: Samuel Girard
We at Predlines are fully on the #FreeGirard bandwagon. The nineteen year old Quebecois has been impressive in the four games we’ve seen him play so far. He has one goal & two assists to his limited time with the Predators. His 0.5 point shares ranks eighth on the team, ahead of Matt Irwin, Yannick Weber & Anthony Bitetto. It rates ahead of Ryan Johansen & a host of offensive players as well.
The numbers tell us that Samuel Girard has been a top-five defenseman on the Predators this season. Yet he remains a part-time player while Irwin, Weber & Bitetto split the minutes on the Predators’ much-maligned third defensive pairing. When Girard does play, he typically gets top-four level minutes alongside Mattias Ekholm.
Dollars & sense dictate that Girard won’t be around much longer. Ten games would put Girard on the first year of his entry-level contract. Nashville would like to avoid that if possible. Ideally, Irwin, Weber or Bitetto would make Girard’s presence on the squad unnecessary.
As long as they continue to under-perform, the calls to free Girard will continue.
Best Predators GIF:
"Arvi, Arvi, Arvi" pic.twitter.com/yNdb26zaiz
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) October 13, 2017
Filip Forsberg chanting Viktor Arvidsson‘s name along with the fans is what Predators hockey is all about. Such a fun and happy moment is what hockey is all about. It’s nice to see the players have as much fun as the fans.
Best Off-Ice Story: P.K.’s Blueline Buddies
With the recent activism in sports concerning police brutality towards African-Americans, many people wondered if Subban would weigh in on the issue. Some thought he might take a knee during the National Anthem as many in the NFL have. Subban opted not to and is instead taking measures within the community to address the lack of unity between police and the less fortunate. P.K.’s Blueline Buddies brings police officers & young people together for dinner & a hockey game in an attempt to build bonds between different parts of the community. Regardless of how you feel about the issues being discussed in sports right now, it’s great to see Subban do what he can to make things better.